Trends
The Real Reasons Behind “JAPA” In Nigeria
The primary issue Nigeria is currently facing is a shortage of training candidates due to the Japa syndrome, which is often known as a “brain drain” in the nation and affects newly graduated doctors. Nigeria’s economy has been severely damaged by the Japa syndrome as a result of the nation’s ongoing loss of talented and innovative people to other nations, particularly the UK. In this article, RNN has compiled and discussed the real reasons behind “JAPA” in Nigeria and its usage.
The ‘Japa’ Trend in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Lagos streets gave rise to Japa.
E get why ‘sapa’ and ‘japa’ rhyme shaa. God is not an author of confusion
— John NetworQ (@JohnNetworQ) August 26, 2021
The first wave of emigration known as “Japa” in Nigeria happened throughout the 1970s and 1980s. An unstable economy coupled with military coups had left Nigeria’s youth with no clear future. Many of them emigrated to the West, mostly the US and the UK, but some braved it all the way to Italy. Over time, a growing number of Nigerians have emigrated abroad to fulfill their dreams.
As you may remember, Naira Marley’s song, which would eventually become widespread in Nigeria, had as its topic leaving Canada and running from British police.
Flight from what, precisely? He was making a reference to defrauding people, similar to what D’banj did in “Mobolowo Won,” if you are familiar with Nigerian popular culture.
“I’m on the run, you can catch me if you can. Ja pa, Ja pa, Ja lo Canada”, Naira sings in the chorus about the “popo behind his back”.
I was wondering if there was a lesson to be learned from this song, but it doesn’t seem to have one. Naira Marley seems to have been advocating for people to avoid getting arrested if they do something illegal. He advises individuals to flee to any continent so they won’t be discovered and sent to prison by the guys in uniform.
Soon, all the doctors in Nigeria will japa to Saudi Arabia. Native doctors get ready to replace them.
— Xpsilver🍥 (@Xpsilver1) August 26, 2021
The only choice you will find in the hearts of most Nigerians if you take a microscope to examine them is to leave. The majority are fed up with the state of affairs in the nation, and they have no choice but to Japa.
Like a plague, the Japa condition is quite common. Nigerians, young and old alike, want greater chances, greener pastures, and security above all else. Rich and middle-class Nigerians don’t feel secure in their riches.
How “Japa” Turned Into the Emigration Buzzword In Nigeria
The Real Reasons Behind “JAPA” In Nigeria
The desire of young Nigerians to emigrate permanently is strongly ingrained in the term. Although moving is a common aspect of life, there are many distinct motivations for doing so.
In Nigeria, it’s a significant project that’s usually motivated by financial hardship. The pursuit of a better life elsewhere has recently taken on an anxious, unpleasant quality.
Japa has gained some traction on the streets of cities like Lagos as an increasing number of Nigerians, many of whom are young, educated, and want to leave the country in order to avoid unemployment, inflation, and poor wages.
It denotes a departure from nationalism as well as a change in cultural identity. Japa has been featured on TikTok as humorous material, along with tips and anecdotes about moving abroad.
The word, which comes from the 2018 Naira Marley song of the same name, has been linked to discontent among young people in Nigeria.
What Are the Real Reasons Behind “Japa” In Nigeria?
The following are some possible explanations for the extensive use of “JAPA” in Nigeria:
1. Desire for a Better Quality of Life
One of the real reasons behind “JAPA” in Nigeria is the desire for a higher standard of living, which includes greater access to healthcare, infrastructure, and living conditions.
People look for improved infrastructure, such as basic amenities, transit networks, and medical services. One reason people leave Nigeria in search of a better quality of life is the belief that other nations have better infrastructure and services.
Some people, including doctors, are considering opportunities in nations with stronger healthcare systems due to the state of the Nigerian healthcare system, which includes problems like poor infrastructure, a lack of resources, and difficult working conditions for healthcare professionals.
2. Educational Opportunities
To pursue higher educational possibilities that might not be easily accessible in Nigeria, some people decided to leave the nation. Some people may think of “JAPA” as a means of pursuing their academic and professional development in nations where they think they have access to elite universities and specialized programs.
Many Nigerians are motivated to study in the UK by their country’s dire economic conditions. Nigerians’ living circumstances were already in danger of collapsing before the COVID-19 epidemic struck in late 2019, unleashing its “terror” on the country and its citizens. Inflation, unemployment, and other economic vices that have swept the nation were embraced at this time.
3. Globalization and Connectivity
Increased connectivity and globalization have made information about opportunities abroad more accessible, influencing people’s perceptions and decisions. People’s perceptions of the world outside of Nigeria are shaped by their easier access to information about possibilities outside made possible by the internet and improved connection.
Increased networking opportunities brought forth by globalization have encouraged people to think about making foreign connections for their personal and professional growth.
4. Security Concerns
Concerns about security, such as crime rates and terrorist attacks, can exacerbate feelings of unease and make people think about moving to safer areas. Fear has increased among many Nigerians due to the country’s current level of insecurity. This keeps showing up in Nigeria as armed robberies, kidnappings, hijackings, and other crimes. Nigerians have developed distinct survival tactics in response to this. Emigration, which is presently the norm in the nation, is one of the coping mechanisms.
5. Political Instability
People may think of leaving the nation in quest of a more stable environment during times of political unrest or uncertainty. A nation’s future may become unclear during times of political upheaval or governmental transitions, leading some people to look for stability abroad.
6. Economic Challenges
Nigeria has had a number of economic difficulties, such as high rates of unemployment, inflation, and a dearth of business prospects. Many young Nigerians could feel pressured to go overseas in search of better opportunities.
Many people in Nigeria are leaving the country in search of higher-paying jobs and more secure work prospects due to the high unemployment rate and economic difficulties there. It is hoped that via “Japa,” they would be able to get out of their current financial situation and find stability.
7. Social Media Influence
Social media is also one of the Real Reasons Behind “JAPA” In Nigeria. On social networking sites where people share their experiences, talk about difficulties, and express their goals, the word “JAPA” became popular. This has helped make the phrase more well-known and raised awareness of the possibility of leaving the nation.
Conclusion
As previously stated, Japa means to escape or run. The Yoruba language is the source of the Nigerian slang term Japa, which literally translates to “to run swiftly” out of a perilous circumstance.
In addition to their desire for a better life, many young people were fleeing the nation due to the incompetence and corruption of the institutions of government that were supposed to support them; this information served as my inspiration for how I portrayed the story of Japa.
A growing number of doctors are being linked to the country’s brain drain due to the health sector crisis (inadequate infrastructure, underpaid pay, and an ongoing strike). However, we hope that this information helps you understand what Japa means in Nigeria.
Is there a solution to the Japa Syndrome?
In order to stop the “Japa syndrome,” Nigerian youth must be given a positive outlook on the future and a sense of possibility and belonging in their own nation. This entails tackling the pull factors that draw Nigerians to other nations as well as the push elements that propel emigration.
The government has most of the blame for these issues, as they need to reform the absurdities that Nigerians are rising up against. The fact is that possessing a skill does not guarantee that one will be immune to financial difficulties. Many talented Nigerians are burning their flag in search of better opportunities elsewhere, mainly as a result of low wages and inadequate social security. The government must address several of these issues in order to change the absurdity that Nigerians are rising up against.
Teaching Nigerians to be more tech-savvy and connecting them to guaranteed prospects after certification are two additional ways to stop this Japa tendency. At Skillup Africa, our specialty is connecting young Africans to opportunities and assisting them in acquiring globally viable skills.
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